What is power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual (known as the donor) to appoint someone (the attorney) to make decisions on their behalf. When the donor makes a power of attorney, they must be able to demonstrate the mental capacity for the document to be valid.
You might decide to put in place a power of attorney so that somebody can manage your affairs temporarily if you are unwell or abroad, for example. Alternatively, you might have a power of attorney drawn up in case you lose mental capacity due to an accident or illness.
Depending on the type of power of attorney, it may need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, or it might only be valid while you have mental capacity.
Due to the different types of power of attorney and the potential pitfalls clients can fall into if they are not executed correctly, it is vital to seek legal advice. Our solicitors are experienced in all aspects of power of attorney and are here to guide you.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a long-term solution. It enables others to make both property & finance and health & personal welfare decisions on your behalf.
What are the types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
There are two types of LPA:
- Property & Finance LPA
- Health & Welfare LPA
You can put both types in place or just one. You can also appoint a different attorney for each type of LPA if you wish.